Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 7(1), January 2008, pp. 27-36

Traditional skill among the Adi tribes of

Ranjay K Singh1*, Anamika Singh2, Hui Tag3 & Adi community 1College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University, , Arunachal Pradesh 2Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 3Division of Higher Plant Systematic and Ethnomedicine, Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, , Arunachal Pradesh E-mail: [email protected] Received 24 July 2007; revised 11 October 2007

The tribal people living in far flung areas dependent on rich biocultural resources have always been curious in exploring the plant resources of their immediate surrounding in order to sustain their traditional livelihood system. After centuries of being in close association with nature, they have developed for themselves the indigenous skill and technology to use these resources in various parts of their life support system. In recent decades, rapid modernization and acculturation process developed in traditional livelihood system of tribal community has practically endangered their age-old biocultural heritage and traditional skills, knowledge and technology in alarming proportion. The paper based on ethnobotanical field work discusses some vital aspects of plant based traditional skills and technology practiced by the rural Adi community of East of Arunachal Pradesh. A number of traditional plant based technologies such as handicrafts, fishing and hunting tools, storage items, utensils used in kitchen and foods system, etc. are available among the Adis. While crafting these valuable and low-cost traditional handicraft technologies, the local people are dependent on locally available plant biodiversity conserved in jhum land, kitchen gardens and community forest. Integrated and holistic approach can revive and sustain traditional plant technology through entrepreneurship development, coupled with ecotourism and economic empowerment to the concerned indigenous community. Keywords: Traditional handicrafts, Adi tribes, Traditional utensils, Arunachal Pradesh IPC Int. Cl.8: B27, G10D

In recent decades, the traditional communities heart, materials for shelter and transportation, worldwide are increasingly using their intimate clothing, implements, utensils, nets, and ropes knowledge of plants, soils, animals, climate, and necessities subsistence survival of various tribes in seasons in sustainable and holistic approach without Arunachal Pradesh; all were provided by great cause. This involves careful management, control of abundance and variety of plants in the area4. population, the use of small quantities but a wide Not only to a specific region like Arunachal diversity of plants and animals, small surpluses, and Pradesh, even throughout the world, many indigenous minimum wastage. Traditionally conserved plants and tribal communities are inclined to believe that provide food, medicines, pesticides, poisons, centuries tested technological skills are integral part implements, building materials; animals provide meat, of their cultural heritage. But, the plant technologies clothes, string, etc1. The importance of plant foods of past and the number of items being made from and medicines to the Adi people is well appreciated, plants have decreased considerably within last five however the plants used in traditional handicraft decades and many of today’s tribal craft people are of technology among the Adi were found to be oldest generation4,8. Similarly, some skills, such as the overlooked2-5. The types of ecosystems, cultural age-old techniques of dying with plants and minerals diversity and skill competency are significant and and making some traditional tools and techniques determining factors among various sub-tribes of Adi have rapidly decreased in many tribal communities of community in Arunachal Pradesh, which affect the Northeast including in Adi tribes4,9. use of range of culturally important plant technology Nevertheless, the Adi people of remote socio- and conservation of related resources4,6-7. Room ecological systems are still attached with their rich heating by burning of firewood at traditional fire cultural heritage of past generations. By initiating the ______works of their ancestors, modern artists, particularly *Corresponding author carpenters and handicraftsmen have been able to 28 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 1, JANUARY 2008

recapture and even improve upon the skills and traditional plant technologies. The villages, where techniques of the past2-4,6,7,10,11. indicators of modern development is negligible and The culturally important plant technologies such as communication is tedious and people mostly rely on chair, table, kitchen utensils, fishing net and tools, their own institutions and biocultural resources was dishes, tools for storage and preservation, etc made of defined as remote socio-ecological systems, whereas wood, cane and bamboo are more popular and Adi community living just opposite to it were economically viable among Adis. The role of plant considered the part of transitional socio-ecological materials and technology in trade has also become system14. increasingly clear in recent past in Arunachal Pradesh. From the selected villages, the respondents of Trading in carved goods and handicrafts were well various age and resources were selected with the help established in the barter system of Adi community. of Gaon Burha (key communicator and headman of The Adi people exchanged baskets, kitchen utensils village) in equal proportion. The respondents (both and other agriculturally important tools and men and women) from the respective villages viz. techniques under barter system. In the paper various Koyu (10), Yagrung (10), Gune (10), Mebo (10), aspects and importance of traditional plant technology Napit (10), Balek (10), Kelek Mirmir (10), Sille (10), and related biocultural knowledge of Adi community Mirsam (10), Yabgo (10), Kebang (10), Solle (10), of living in varying socio- Poglek (10) and Pangin (10) were selected randomly. ecological systems have been discussed. Prabhu The total sampled population, 70 men and 70 women, parvat of the remote past, Arunachal Pradesh covers a were chosen for the study. Field studies were geographical area of 83,743 sq km accounting for conducted for 4 yrs (November 2003-February 2007) about 2.55 % of the total land area of the country. The with the help of an assistant acquainted in local entire state is a region of high mountains with great culture in East Siang district. During 2003-2004, variations of altitude ranging from 200-7090 m. The direct observations and general survey from 30 state is rich in bioresources through diverse women and 30 men of selected villages were made. ecosystems with highly humid subtropical and 12-13 More comprehensive interviews from another 40 tropical to temperate and alpine ecosystems . The women and 40 men were taken during 2005-2007 to state has 28 major tribes and 110 tribes, which provide the data on various plant technology used in accounts for 64.20 % of the total population. The Adi food preparation, cooking, home made storage is the largest tribe, which shares 14.39 % of the total structures, fishing, hunting, storage, drying, etc. and population of Arunachal Pradesh. The state is unique conservation pattern of related biocultural resources. in having traditional rights of various tribes over land, In addition, participant observations to assess the water and forests within their jurisdiction. Each tribe process of making and use of plant technologies were as a community exercises control over the natural made. Participant observations and staying in Adi resources within their surroundings houses in forest areas were made to learn about Methodology cultural aspects of utensils, handicrafts and other Following the purposive sampling method, East technologies used in daily life systems. Subsequently, Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India has been semi-structured interviews were used in order to gain selected on account of forest cover, ethnicity and more detailed information. The interviews were also people’s dependency on the forest resources and conducted with the district handicrafts centre and traditional plant technologies. From the selected cooperatives to understand the economics, various district, three circles (administrative unit) were chosen projects run by state and central government and purposively following the criteria adopted in district network of handicrafts makers. To validate the selection. In the third stage, based on the traditional information, fourteen chiefs Gaon Burhas (GB) of plant technologies of Adi tribes, fourteen villages respective villages were interviewed to understand the from three purposively selected circles were sampled history of the area and pattern of using plant using two criteria i.e. forest dependency and reliance technologies. The degree of high, medium and low for on plant based traditional technology. While selecting the use, culture and conservation variables were the villages, traditional society (living in remote defined as the extent of adoption of plant resources as villages) and transitional society (living nearby the technology in life support system and livelihood, town) was adopted as socio-ecological criteria to see which make people self reliant in every aspect of day the variability in use pattern and conservation of to day life for their subsistence survival. These SINGH et al.: TRADITIONAL SKILL AMONG THE ADI TRIBES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 29

variables were measured with the score system of technology. Some of the major handicrafts and plant three point continuum as high, medium and low and based technology are described in Table 1. 3, 2, and 1 score were assigned, respectively for the positive response, while reverse scoring was done for Plant based technology the negative response. The Prior Informed Consent Cane and bamboo based plant technology of the (PIC) was taken from every knowledge holder to Adi tribes is of appreciable standard and most of the disclose his/her knowledge systems in public domain. domestic requirements are made of biodiversity of these species. Hats of different sizes and shapes, Results various kinds of baskets, cane vessels, a wide variety Arunachal Pradesh is a land abounds with wisdom of cane belts (woven and plain), elaborately woven of beautiful handicrafts and traditional plant brassier of cane and fiber, bamboo mugs with technology comprising wide range in variety15-16. The carvings, etc. deserve special mention. They have Adi people of East Siang since time immemorial have mastered the technique of basketry, and the designing a tradition of artistic craftsmanship and a wide variety of such items among the villagers has been found to of handicrafts practices such as weaving, painting, be entirely need based, practical and are aptly suit to pottery, metallic work, basketry, woodcarving, etc. their socio-cultural and geo-geographical landscape. The crafting of mats, wooden vessels and pottery The two basic shapes observed are twill and hexagon, speaks itself eloquently about their skill in handicrafts both open and closed. Adi basketry is beautiful not

Table 1 — Traditional utensils, tools and techniques made of plant biodiversity used by Adi tribes

Local name Plant source Uses

Dola Bamboo or cane Winnowing the rice grains Dutup Bamboo Rice measuring Dore Bamboo As dining table for keeping rice plate or any other eatables Agin Bamboo or cane For carrying rice Tali cane or bamboo Local Adi bag Sobuk Bamboo and wood or cane Holder or cover of Adi daw Keeper Wood of hollock, lali, hihong are considered as best Local grinder for making keeper for its hardness Mene tekkeng Wood of hihong tree having reddish colour inside is For making meat pieces considered best one Apo Made of bamboo or cane For winnowing rice grain Bilen Bamboo For drying meats and fish Geing Geing (cane) For scrubbing the ginger etc Kurpyak Bamboo or wild banana fibre or toko leaves Mat Hungem Dibang bamboo Local basket for keeping kitchen spoon and other utensils hanging on the perap above the fire place. Megaap Dibang bamboo Used in fire place for holding firewood, coal and utensil. Hupur Dibang bamboo Basket for storing maize Porang Dibang bamboo Fishing trap, conical in shape Pitak Dibang bamboo For chopping or making pieces of fishes Pekak Dibang bamboo For keeping fishes during fishing Kodong Dibang bamboo Fishing material Ebar Dibang bamboo For collecting firewood from the forest Gatbung Dibang bamboo Bamboo holder for keeping arrow Epum Wild bottle gourd shell For filtering the kala apong (local beverage) Geri Wild bottle gourd shell For carrying drinking water to agriculture field Ejuk Wild bottle gourd shell For pouring drinking water Lodung Bamboo (emu, ebing bamboo) For keeping salt Tuli Bamboo (dibang) bamboo Basket made of bamboo for drting fresh fishes. Tonsuk Bamboo For filtering kala-apong (local beverage) Mobyang Made of stone Stone for grinding the amo (poison used for hunting) eeye epuk Abung and dibang bamboo Arrow Penyo Dibang bamboo Bamboo spoon for stirring rice Ekku Dibang bamboo Rat trap (arrow shaped) Oying ape Dibang bamboo Basket for keeping fresh vegetable Madung Dibang bamboo Bamboo used for cooking rice and chicken

30 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 1, JANUARY 2008

only because of the fine texture, but also because of an honour to bride. Later on, these rats after killing the unusual and fascinating shapes they designed. are smoked in perap (a traditional drier made of There is definite correlation between the shape and dibang bamboo) and preserved for eating. The the topography and climatic condition of the region. trapping technique of rat using ekku is also found in The angular and curling nature of some of the baskets the Adi art and culture. During interaction with has definite functional value. hunters in the field, an intricate relationship of Adi Metallic work, carpentry, and pottery are other skill, culture and plant biodiversity associated with crafts practiced by the Adi people. Metallic work is their traditional life style and survival strategies has not universal in Arunachal Pradesh and most of the been closely observed (Fig. 7). Similarly, yoksa (Adi requirement of tools and implements are made by the sword) made of iron and wood, long in shape, kept in people themselves especially among the Adis and the home is used in ponung dance. The handle of Monpa. The Adis were once expert in casting in brass. yoksa is preferably made of horn of mithun (Bos According to the history and mythology of Adi tribe, fontailis) and wood. Minor Bote was the first ancestral God of metallic work and carpentry, respectively. The arts of crafting Wildlife, culture, plant biodiversity and skill traditional utensils and handicraft items of immense The integration of wildlife & plant biodiversity, utility from forest wood, clay and metal is thus which are life support systems for Adi tribes and inherited from ancient wisdom which is still practiced ethnicity, depict the degree of skill and imagination in Adi’s locality. power in making handicrafts. For example, mithun Tools and traps used for hunting made of local cane species (Fig. 3); monkey, The Adi resorts to hunting in their leisure time in Himalayan giant squirrel (Fig. 4); turtle (Fig. 6), order to supplement their food requirement. The hornbill (Fig. 7), mongoose; fish (Fig. 9) and various weapons commonly used and made by them are other mammals and birds made of Terminalia spears, bows, arrows and daw (about 30-70 cm flat myriocarpa (hillock) and Michelia champaca (teeta iron piece with sharp edge on one side crafted in the chap) tree and bamboo species such as form of sword). Some of the arrows tips are fitted Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus hookeri, with sharp metallic head, which is caped with Bambusa pallida and Bambusa tulda are mostly poisoned prepared from the roots of alpine herb, employed in traditional house construction, as ritual Aconitum ferox Wall. (Omi) and are carried in quivers and cultural gift items offered to benevolent almighty of bamboo tubes. Such poison arrow is mostly used gods during local festival such as arang and solung for killing large wild animals such as bear, wild boar apart from using them in crafting traditional and lion. The paste of emo (omi) poison used on handicraft items. Some of the indigenous species of arrow tip is prepared in special type of traditional perennial trees and palm species, like toko-patta utensil made of stone. The villagers have their own (Livistona jenkinsiana Griff.) is considered indigenous ways of trapping animals and birds using multipurpose species and used in a number of aspects. traditional plant based technologies. Like hunting, For example, the leaves of toko-patta are used after fishing also forms a subsidiary occupation. For proper drying as a roofing material for local houses. fishing, they make various traps, big and small, with In thatched houses made of toko leaves, the longevity or without valves, made of bamboo & cane and such of leaves in kitchen room is about 10 yrs, while leaves trapping items are popularly known as porang among of Calamus erectus (rasen) and Musa balbisiana the Adis (Fig. 1). Fishing nets of different types such (Kullung) used by the some villagers as thatching as hand nets (Fig. 5), cast nets, etc. are also in use, materials lasts for only 4-5 yrs. The new shoots of which is made of locally available plant resources. toko are used as vegetable, while unripe fruits are The art of trapping wild rats using bamboo made used as chutney. It is also used as covering tops of trap called, ekku (Fig. 2) is quite famous among Adi doolies (palanquins) and boats. Making hats is very tribes. Such trapping technology has been found to be common among the Adi villagers in order to protect closely associated with their socio-religious ceremony themselves from torrential. Similarly, crafting of hand such as marriage. Catching highest number of rats bichoni (fans) and coarse broom from the toko leaves using ekku is recognized as positive attribute of male is quite popular among the Adi tribes. The leaves are folk. The trapped rats are handed over by the groom also used in nursery as overhead shade. The to bride before marriage to signify his capacity and as whole plant is used as an ornamental and avenue SINGH et al.: TRADITIONAL SKILL AMONG THE ADI TRIBES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 31

plant, while fibrous sheaths are used in making ropes considered tastier and good for digestion. In olden and water resistant shields for shoulder bags. The cut days, family elder were served foods in this plate to stem is used as temporary log bridge to cross over respect and honour, but now gradually this system is village streams and as posts for supporting temporary vanishing. With the availability of low-cost utensils, structures. preservation of such traditional utensils are decreasing and thus loosing their prestige and value among Traditional utensils and food habits younger generation. A traditional measurement of The dynamics of traditional utensils made of social status and wealth of Adi is measured with the various locally available plant species and other number of brass and copper utensils he/she possess. ethnobiological resources used as traditional items Even in the verdict made by the customary tribal were some of the significant observation made during council on the any dispute arising on natural resources field investigation. For example, Du-bi (bamboo and social problems, the fine is charged by taking cylinder) -used for cooking fish, rice etc.; dengkam these utensils. The traditional utensils used in kitchen peking [(earthen pots, made up of sticky clay) are made of copper, brass and other metals are (Fig. 8)] - for cooking rice and meat; e-kung edung considered as prestigious and precious. In interior and (bamboo cylinder) -for storing fermented bamboo remote villages, the Adi villagers are still using the shoot; epo [(made of bamboo) (Fig. 12)]- used for traditional utensil made of wood and bamboo. filtration of apong; patek (made of wood of jackfruit However, the bamboo utensils are still used by the and lirang tree) - for chopping meat, fish, vegetables Adi people living in even transitional socio-ecological etc; asi dupu (bamboo cylinder) -for storing water systems because of low cost and easy availability. The (Fig. 11); bu-yen (made of bamboo strips) -for storing dynamics of these factors is found more in remote dry fish, meat, etc. (Fig. 10); ekung [(wooden plates) villages. Various external factors such as influence of (Fig. 13)]; eguk (dried bottle gourd) -for serving media, modernization, changing livelihood systems apong (Fig. 14); apong dubi (bamboo cylinder) used and various sociopolitical aspects, are weakening the for filtering apong, bamboo made sieve (Fig. 15)] traditional intrinsic value and skill of making plant used for filtering apong, ambin pekak (bamboo technology. container) (Fig. 16)] used for measuring grains, kepi Ethnicity, biodiversity and skill [(stem of a spiny palm species) used for rubbing Various God and Goddess are worshiped by Adi rhizome and tubers, Adi cup and jug (made of tribes with the belief that these spiritual powers are bamboo) (Fig. 17) used for drinking apong and responsible for prosperity and livelihood. According serving water, [(box for keeping betel-vine leaves) to the age-old Adi’s mythology, Goddess Kini Nane (made of cane) (Fig. 18)], alo-adung [(made of (Fig. 22) (responsible for agricultural propensity) has bamboo) (Fig. 19)] used for keeping salt, giri maintained the sustainability of paddy biodiversity. (Fig. 20) and tonsuk (Fig. 21) made of dried shell of The idols of Kini Nane is also made of different tree wild bottle gourd covered with cane trip- used for species like Terminalia myriocarpa, and Michelia carrying water and apong (beverage) in jhum field champaca, etc. and kept in holy places to signify the and storing apong, etc. are some of the examples of ethnicity. The interaction and cross cultural relations utilizing bioresources of their surrounding in with non-tribal communities more particularly of traditional utensils, arts, crafts and food habits. The Hindu theology were also observed in the art and reason behind using range of traditional utensils made handicraft plant technology of Adi tribes through of plant resources are the intrinsic attachment with some of the idols. Adi tribes also carve the idols of ecosystems and food habit. Special kind of flavour, Lord Shiva and other deities from wood of Terminalia keeping quality, and storage duration, for which myriocarpa and Michelia champaca. Further, the traditional utensils are one of the sources, are major depiction of tribal religion like of Monpa (followers reasons quoted by experienced elders of community. of Buddhist religion) is also being observed in the Traditional utensils are believed to be one of the handicraft technology of Adi tribes. The locally main parts of a household property and are kept under available biological resources such as cane, bamboo the custodian of older generation of the family. They and trees have provided an ample opportunity for know the history of origin of traditional utility, being selective apprehension and using them in mythology and folklore associated with utensils17. various technologies. These bioresources are either Having rice in ekung (rice plate made of brass) is used alone or in combination to make varieties of 32 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 1, JANUARY 2008

daily usable domestic utensils, tools and technique for Empirical observations indicate that in majority of the fishing, decorative items and ornaments. cases (73.25 %), Adi community living in remote socio-ecological system have higher degree of Plant based technology and livelihood of Adi cultural attachment [(with the score value of 198 out The plant based crafts such as agin (bamboo or of 210) (Fig. 25)] towards the plant technology in cane made basket for carrying rice, etc.), eda (for comparison to the same community living in carrying firewood), dore (cane or bamboo made, used transitional socio-ecological system who secured as table for dining), muda (bamboo or cane made, for (79.85 %) cultural score only 68 out of 210. Majority sitting), tali (Fig. 24) (cane made, for carrying food (76.67 %) of Adi community of transitional socio- items and beverages while going for work or to ecological systems have medium degree of cultural forest), sobuk (daw holder, made of cane), etc are attachment with their traditional plant based mostly crafted by the male folk and form a source of technology (with score value 94 out of 140) whereas, income to Adi. In every household of remote socio- the cultural attachment score value of same ecological systems, people possess skill to make these community of remote places was less (58 out of 140). technologies and sell in nearby by town. Some of Similar pattern was found for the degree of low level wooden, cane and bamboo made plant technology are of cultural attachment. sold through district handloom and handicrafts centre. These crafts are collected from the villages or built on The cumulative effect of cultural attachment and the craft training centre. With the help of various use level of biocultural related technology affect the central and state Government sponsored training and conservation regime of biodiversity in any socio- entrepreneurship development schemes, nowadays an ecological system. The effect of higher degree of emphasis is given on plant technologies for the cultural attachment and use level both are observed to capacity building and empowerment of Adi people. be higher towards degree of conservation (score value The gendered aspects of plant technology play a 198 out of 210) of plant biodiversity used in making pivotal role in the variability for livelihood system. various technology in remote socio-ecological Thus, while preparing the training programme for systems than the transitional community, whose entrepreneurships development such issues must be degree of conservation is less [(score was 75 out of taken into account to make it more economically 210) (Fig. 26)]. Maximum polarization of viable and successful. conservation score value of Adi community living in transitional socio-ecological was observed at medium Cultural knowledge in utilization and conservation degree (110 out of 140) to low degree (45 out of 70) of biocultural resources of conservation of biocultural resources used in The local biodiversity of canes, bamboos, palms making the traditional plant technology. This and perennial tree species are invaluable in making empirical observation revealed that the dynamics of various handicraft, utensils, tools and technique used culture and use value of any plant technology is for various purposes. The degree of use of such affected by types of socio-ecological systems and the biocultural resources are determined by the factors ethical level of people living in the respective system. such as ethnicity, economic status, ethical level, The findings provide an insight that the cultural variability in ecological system and types of art and context and dependency on biocultural resources used skill possessed by a particular community. The use of in making plant technology by the Adi community various traditional plant technology is higher [(use living in remote locality is appreciable at present. But score value 200 out of 210 (Fig. 23)] in remote socio- the cultural erosion and loss of nurturing institutions ecological systems than the transitional system (use related to plant technology among younger score value 40). This trend is proportionally generation-as is happening in transitional socio- comparable at medium and low degree of use also ecological system, is being noticed. Erosion is where the Adi people living in transitional socio- accelerated due to the effect from acculturation ecological systems are lower than the same process, Government policies of settled top-to-bottom community living in remote and far-flung areas. The approach of development and changing sociopolitical cultural context and use of biocultural resources in environment of community. Hence, this is the plant technology are intermingled with each other. potential time to harness these culturally rich Higher cultural attachment towards a particular plant resources and conserve them with the bottom to-top technology leads to the greater degree of use. approached planning geared by people provided they SINGH et al.: TRADITIONAL SKILL AMONG THE ADI TRIBES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 33

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SINGH et al.: TRADITIONAL SKILL AMONG THE ADI TRIBES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH 35

are economically and socio-politically empowered. order to successfully protect native plants, wild-lands This can be activated by taking the help of formal and cultural landscape, multiple repositories with institutions, marketing and economic institutions, who diverse ownerships interests is a necessity21. The plant add value, commercialize the products and secure the technology of Adi people can be focused for its intellectual property of traditional communities. The demonstration through significant value added entire approach- adopted in integrated manner, will components for profitability in marketing which will help in conserving the biocultural resources used in simultaneously help in conservation of biodiversity. traditional plant technology. The traditional plant technologies discussed in foregoing sections have a bright future for economic Discussion and conclusion empowerment of rural people of Arunachal Pradesh22. The Adi craftsmen of Arunachal Pradesh make These technologies can be marketed with the help of various cane and bamboo crafts at the household information technology, NGOs, formal organizations level. Most of the domestic requirements are made of like Northeast Council, Cane and Bamboo these materials. The Adi community depend on these Technology Centre (CBTC) and Government materials almost exclusively for constructing their initiatives like National Bamboo Mission, through a dwellings, utensils, furniture, and even weapons, such partnership programme. The objective and strategy of as bows and arrows, spears, armor, and implements National Bamboo Mission are to promote, develop like dibblers, hunting and fishing traps, etc. Apart and disseminate technologies through a seamless from these traditional uses, bamboo and cane are blend of traditional wisdom and modern scientific crafted dexterously into colorful basket mats, belts, knowledge and promote marketing of bamboo based attractive smoking pipes, combs, and a variety of handicrafts for generating employment opportunities household tools and implements. The Adi tribes are for skilled and unskilled persons, especially considered good engineers and once built a 152.4 m unemployed youths. The North Eastern Council long suspension bridge made of cane and bamboo (NEC), in association with the National Vocational over the Dibang River14. The traditional cane and Training System are developing a network in the bamboo made products are representing high for effective use of the bamboo and premium on design, quality, local technology and cane resources to improve livelihood options of the focuses cultural identity. Modernization and cultural rural population. The entire effort can be linked-up erosion among younger generation has affected the and accelerated with the help of Cane and Bamboo dynamics of traditional knowledge and use of plant Technology Centre (CBTC) Guwahati, which can technology in the life support system of Adi tribe5. take a lead role in this sector to impart skill and The Government of India through Department of empowerment of people. Through the execution of Science and Technology (DST) is trying to accelerate such exercise, the information gaps can be filled and a various aspects of biocultural knowledge and plant viable and sustainable model on plant technologies technology in Arunachal Pradesh; however such marketing plan may be developed. This could be noble initiative would bear much fruits if private land implemented in a participatory mode in phases as owners and community are engaged in the knowledge, experience, and production capabilities management of wild species used in making increase in the area of value addition to traditional traditional technology18. It is evident that, some of the plant technology and conservation of biocultural traditionally managed sustainable system- like among knowledge of not only Adi tribe but also other tribes Apatani tribe living in Arunachal Pradesh are of North-east India. empirically tested and observed to be sustainable, Expediting and opening more number of small- however, wild relatives of many plants are at risk and scale industries for promoting such knowledge and extinction in this state19. Human encroachment on technology and sustaining the livelihood and land use pattern has created a threat to the valuable conservation of biocultural resources is the need of source of wild gene pool that is necessary to boost the the day. With a view to help developing arts and ability of plant technology20. It is exceedingly crafts and to substantiate the livelihood of the people, important that wild plant diversity remains widely a number of craft centers have been set up and local disbursed in both ownership and geographical region. people are imparted training in these centers. The rich There is an urgent need to value, restore, collect and heritage of arts, crafts and plant technological utilize the native technology of north-east India. In knowledge of Arunachal Pradesh is sure to add colour 36 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 1, JANUARY 2008

to the cultural heritage of the country, however, mass (Jawaharlal Nehru College, Rajiv Gandhi University, production and infusion of new elements in this field Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh), 2006. 8 Turner NJ, Plant Technology of First Peoples in British have not added much for the cause of revival of these Columbia, (UBC Press, University of British Columbia, traditional crafts. The revival of traditional arts and Vancouver, Canada), 2001. crafts belongs to mostly people and survives on their 9 Singh RK, Conserving diversity and culture: Pem Dolma, patronage and good will. Honey Bee, 15 (3) (2004) 12-13. 10 Chakravarty LN, Glimpses of the Early History of Arunachal (Annada Printing House, Jorhat, ), 1973. Acknowledgement 11 Ramakrishnan PS, Tropical forests, exploitation, Authors are grateful to the outstanding traditional conservation and management, Impact Sci Soc, 42 (166) knowledge holders, Mr Beram Perme, Mrs A Taggu, (1992) 149-162. Mrs Yamat Minki, Mrs Opet Osik, Mrs Ale Pertin, 12 Hooker JD, The Flora of British India, (L Reeve & Co Ltd, NR, Kent), 1872, 1872-94. Mr Mida Ratan, Mr Nong Perme, Mr Otem Rukbo, 13 Hajra PK, Verma DM & Giri GS, Materials for the Flora of Mrs Onima Megu for their significant and most Arunachal Pradesh, Vol 1 (Ranunculaceae-Dipsacaceae), valuable inputs provided for the study. The authors (Botanical Survey of India, Ministry of Environment & also thankful to Mr Ajay Kami in collection of data Forests, GOI, Kolkata), 1996,1-9. and coordinating the events required for the study. 14 APHDR, Arunachal Pradesh Human Development Report (Department of Planning Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar), 2005. References 15 Pal GD, Observations on ethnobotany of tribals of Subansiri 1 Gough A, Indigenous knowledge: A draft based on workshop district, Arunachal Pradesh, Bull Bot Surv India, 26 (1984) module made for trials in Indonesia, Fiji, Brunei and 26-37. Australia, ACEID, UNEP, at http://www.ens.gu.edu.au/ciree/ 16 Pal GD, Observations on less known interesting tribal uses of LSE/MOD5.HTM#top, accessed on 14-07-2007. plants in Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh, J Econ 2 Ramakrishnan PS, Rai RK, Katwal RPS & Menhndiratta S, Taxon Bot, 10 (1992) 198-203. Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Managing Biosphere 17 Kami Yamem, SS Mission Road, Pasighat, East Siang, Reserves in South and Central Asia, (UNESCO and Oxford Arunachal Pradesh, (Personal communication: interviewed & IBH, New Delhi), 2002, 536. on 15-07-2007). 3 Ramakrishnan PS, Sustainable mountain development: The 18 DST, Arunachal Pradesh: Strengthening Science Education: Himalayan tragedy, Curr Sci, 92 (3) (2007) 308-316. Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science 4 Singh A, Traditional Foods and Associated Knowledge and Technology, Government of India, http://dst.gov.in/ Systems Relating to Health and Nutrition among Adi Women admin_finance/ls_9/un_sq561.htm, accessed on 14-07-2007. of East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, MSc Thesis, 19 Dollo m, traditional farmers’ groups supporting sustainable (Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Mahila farming. Leisa magazine, 23 (1), March 2007, at Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi), 2007. http://www.leisa.info/index.php?url=show-blob- at 5 Singh A, Singh RK & Sureja AK, Cultural significance and html.tpl&p%5bo_id%5d=90666&p%5ba_id%5d=211&p%5 diversities of ethnic foods of Northeast India, Indian J ba_seq%5d=1, accessed on 14-07-2007. Traditional Knowledge, 6 (1) (2007) 79-94. 20 Saklani A & Jain SK, Cross Cultural Ethnobotany of 6 Singh RK & Sureja AK, Community knowledge and Northeast India, (Deep Publications, New Delhi), 1994. sustainable natural resources management: Learning from 21 Puri SK, Ahmedullah M, Sastry ARK & Amenita I, Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, TD, J Transdisci Res Biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh (World Wide Fund for Southern Africa, 2 (1) (2006) 73-102. Nature, New Delhi, India), 1995. 7 Singh RK & Sureja AK, Dynamics of Traditional 22 ITP Division, Indian in business: Investigating in India (ITP Knowledge and Prior Informed Consent of Conservators of Division), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Indigenous Biological Diversity of Northeast India, Natl Sem 2007 athttp://www.indiainbusiness.nic.in/whyindia.htm, Nat Resour Tribal Community Northeastern India, accessed on 14-07-2007.